Racine– Stermidge "Sonny" Chambers, 89, passed away peacefully at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center on Thursday, July 12, 2012.

Stermidge was born in Milledgeville, Georgia on August 17, 1922 to the late Elijah and Clara (nee: Ingram) Chambers. Sonny faithfully served our Country with the United States Army in WWII.

With a tireless work ethic, he was employed for his entire career at AMC / Chrysler, where he was a member of the UAW Local 72.  Among his interests, he enjoyed playing cards, chess and checkers. In his younger years, Stermidge was an accomplished boxer. Because of his infectious smile and bright personality, he earned the affectionate nickname of "Sonny".

Surviving are his sisters, Mary Johnson and Mildred Chambers; devoted niece and her husband of whom Sonny lived with, Rajeeyah and Andre McWhorter; great- nephews, Darrius Chambers- McWhorter and Tajone McWhorter; special nephew, Daryl Killpatrick; and a host of other dear nieces, nephews, relatives and friends too numerous to mention all by name.

In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his brothers, Nathaniel, Elijah Jr. and Joseph Chambers; and sister, Julia Chambers.

In accordance with Sonny's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 11:00 am with Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 10-11 am.

A special note of thanks to Dr. John Lopez, Dr. Gerald Wisniewski, and to the adult day care of Lincoln Village for their compassionate care and support given in Sonny's time of need. May God bless all of you!